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The single cover for HoAgnan's "Mama Afreeka" features an earthy painting that merges a tree with the shape of the African continent. The tree’s roots and branches form intricate black lines against a textured backdrop of ochre, rust, teal, and gold. The title “Mama Afreeka” appears in large, stylized block letters—“Mama” in sage green, “Afreeka” in brick red. The artist’s name, “HoAgnan,” stands at the top in classic serif type with a soft shadow.

Gettin’ Freeky

With a style rather reminiscent of Manu Dibango, France’s Hoagnan gives us “Mama Afreeka,” which starts off jazzy before bringing in an African undercurrent that…

The album cover features a serene, blue-toned landscape dominated by a dense forest reflected perfectly on a calm body of water. Above the reflection, the name Mehmet Polat appears in simple typography.

Music videos

Rooted, Yet Restless: Mehmet Polat Unveils ‘Curious’ Single

World Music Central News Room April 3, 2025 No Comments Mehmet Polat world music

Mehmet Polat introduces “Curious,” the first single from his upcoming album Roots in Motion, a project that reflects his journey as both a musician and…

The single cover for Mi Pueblo by Yelem shows a lively and colorful street scene. Musicians are performing with traditional instruments such as congas, trumpets, and saxophones. In the background, a charming village with southern Spanish-style buildings, tall palm trees, and a prominent church tower.

Music videos Single reviews

Zesty Sauce

Tom Orr April 1, 2025 No Comments Flamenco salsa Spanish music world music Yelem

Spanish singer Yelem gives classic salsa its due but also adds a splash of contemporary production value to “Mi Pueblo,” a sizzling tune accompanied by…

La Mari, Chambao - Photo by Víctor Chito Photography . La Mari standing with her hands behind her head.

Music videos

Chambao Keeps It “Fresca” With a Tribute to Women

World Music Central News Room March 31, 2025 No Comments Chambao Flamenco rumba flamenca world music

(headline image: chambao’s La Mari – Photo by Víctor Chito Photography) Chambao returns with “Fresca” (fresh), a single that pays tribute to women balancing domestic…

The single cover for Anywhere the Wind Blows by Missy Raines & Allegheny features a painted landscape with rolling hills in shades of orange, gold, and teal. A red heart-shaped balloon floats above, its string curving down toward a small, solitary red house nestled among the hills. The song title is written in a curved, handwritten-style font, while the artist names appear in clean typography. Featured guests Laurie Lewis, Kathy Kallick, and Ellie Hakanson are listed beneath.

Music videos

Wind at Their Backs: Missy Raines & Allegheny Breeze Into New Song

World Music Central News Room March 31, 2025 No Comments Bluegrass Missy Raines Missy Raines & Allegheny world music

Missy Raines & Allegheny, fronted by Grammy-nominated bassist and vocalist Missy Raines, have announced their upcoming album Love & Trouble, due May 2. The project…

The cover of Step Up by Sonic Alley features a black-and-white photograph of a person holding a pair of rugged leather shoes by the laces. The person is dressed casually, with only their lower half visible, standing in a natural, grassy outdoor setting. Bold, golden-yellow text reading "Step Up" is centered across the image, while the Sonic Alley name appears at the bottom in the same yellow color.

Music videos Single reviews

Best Foot Forward

Tom Orr March 30, 2025 No Comments Caleb Hart funk Sonic Alley world music

Multicultural ensemble Sonic Alley, fronted by Caleb Hart, mixes reggae, funk, and hip hop on “Step Up,” a hard-hitting, timely-as-can-be plea for personal improvement that…

The single cover for Leavin’ by Vickie Vaughn features the artist straddling a large upright bass, which bears her name. Dressed in a magenta outfit with red and green cowboy boots, she gazes directly at the camera.

Music videos

Bass Instincts: Vickie Vaughn Steps Into the Spotlight With “Leavin’”

World Music Central News Room March 29, 2025 No Comments Bluegrass Vickie Vaughn world music

After a decade-long hiatus from solo recording, two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Vickie Vaughn returns with “Leavin’,” her first release under her own…

Keith Hines Pick Yourself Up single cover. It shows KHP, Keith Hines Productions

Music videos Single reviews

You Can’t Be Too Picky

Tom Orr March 27, 2025 No Comments Keith Hines Reggae Tammi T world music

Based on the number of uplifting reggae tracks I’ve received lately, it would seem that the world is in need of such music. I believe…

The cover art for Ashby Frank’s The Bug features an anthropomorphic bug wearing aviator goggles and a leather jacket, driving a car down an open highway. The background is a flat peach-orange, with minimal line art suggesting motion and a distant horizon. The title and artist's name are handwritten in a casual script.

Music videos

Bluegrass Bug: Ashby Frank Puts the Pedal to the Mandolin

World Music Central News Room March 27, 2025 No Comments Ashby Frank Bluegrass world music

Ashby Frank reimagines “The Bug,” originally recorded by Dire Straits in 1991 and later a Top 20 country hit for Mary Chapin Carpenter in 1993,…

Andy Leftwich Highland Rim single cover. A photo of Andy Leftwich playing mandolin.

Music videos

Andy Leftwich Goes Bananas on “Highland Rim”

World Music Central News Room March 25, 2025 No Comments Andy Leftwich Bluegrass world music

Andy Leftwich returns with “Highland Rim,” a high-energy instrumental that highlights his virtuosity alongside some of bluegrass’s finest musicians. Following his soulful interpretation of “Talk…